Backpackers vs Glampackers

There has been a lot of discussion lately about the pros and cons of backpacking in the classic sense. New breeds of travelers have come forth to combat what they view as the downsides to this classic method of getting from place to place. In this post I compare the two and try to give light to what the differences are. Enjoy Backpackers VS Glampackers!

Backpackers vs Glampackers

Glampacking in particular seems to address the complaints that many folks apparently have with the rumpled backpacker style. Yet it remains debatable as to whether or not the allegedly more upscale form of budget travel is a derivative of the backing ethos or just a return to the more traditional methods of taking a vacation. The list that follows enumerates some of the differences between backpackers and glampackers so readers can answer that question for themselves.

Backpackers

Who they typically are:

Money conscious travelers who don’t mind sharing dorm rooms in hotels and eating sandwiches if it means achieving their dream of seeing other places. This demographic is typically skewed more towards college students and 20-somethings than working professionals. However, age is not necessarily a limiting factor for this group.

Common Objectives:

To see as much of the world as possible on a limited budget.

How to spot them:

These individuals can be found in hostels and campgrounds around the world. Aside from the more extreme sort, who seemingly have no regard for the basic sanitary niceties, backpackers generally look much like the folks that are often seen wandering around college campuses. If asked Backpackers vs Glampackers their universal and absolute answer would be backpacker!

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Usually Found:

Taking advantage of free events, eating food from street vendors, and hanging out at hostels

Atypical Venues:

A generic shopping mall or a spa somewhere.

Glampackers

Who they typically are:

Travelers with a higher budget that can afford splurging on better hotels and more expensive vacation activities like taking a day at the spa. A large percentage of this group is female but there are some guys that also fall into this category. How many males fall into this category is debatable since an item jokingly mentioned on many “glampacker” lists is a guy to carry around all their extra bags. If asked Backpackers vs Glampackers? Their answer would be an unequivocal glampacker!!

Common Objectives:

To see new places without sacrificing too much personal comfort along the way.

How to spot them:

The girl in your hostel who brought two extra bags solely for her shoes or makeup is probably secretly one of these. However, glampackers are not likely to inhabit such pedestrian quarters. They’re more often found in resorts and boutique hotels that are better equipped to cater to their specific needs. Stylishness also seems to be one of the watchwords for this group. However, people that view themselves as trendy might not actually fall in that category as far as other people are concerned.

Usually Found:

Buying new clothes at local boutiques, having their nails or hair done at a nearby shop, and eating at nice midrange restaurants:

Atypical Venues:

This group is not likely to be found away from home without their beauty supplies, flat-irons, jewelry, or extra shoes. As far as these folks are generally concerned, camping and other forms of roughing it are an anathema.

Of course, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look neat and tidy on your journeys around the world but is really necessary to have a guy around to carry overstuffed bags that are filled with beauty products and additional pairs of shoes?

On the same note, isn’t it equally as important to carry around some basic toiletries such as hairbrushes and body wash to avoid the dirty backpacker stereotypes even if you’ve been reduced to bathing in perpetually lukewarm water? Perhaps some compromise between these types is really the best way to travel.

Backpackers vs Glampackers – Which do you prefer? If you follow my blog then you know my answer! I used to enjoy an occasional camping trip but these days it’s luxury all the way!! Share your experiences with us!

Marie Hernandez is a Destination and Hotel marketer, social media manager, travel writer, full-time traveler, and the founder and author behind SeriouslyTravel. Her passion for travel and food inspires her to seek new places, new cuisine, and new adventures. Her desire is to inspire everyone to explore the world; even if it's just in your own back yard.